Wild Mountain (Shan Cha)

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Wild Mountain (Shan Cha)

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Virtually unknown in the West, Shan Cha’s presence and use as an infused drink has first been recorded in Chinese writings dating back to the 17th century (1697). Its botanical characteristics are somewhat close to the Assamica with its long leaves but distinct with unique adventitious shoots arising from its underground roots. It is a shrub that prefers a wild, mountainous habitat with altitudes ranging between 650 m to 1500 m. Four distinct protected areas have been put in place in central, south and eastern Taiwan for the preservation of this National treasure which is revered as the father plant to some of the most unique and distinctive tea hybrids of Taiwan. For example, it is from this unique wild strand that the Taiwan Research and Experiment Station (TRES) have successfully developed the now famous TRES-18 Red Jade black tea which has fueled the whole black tea revival in Taiwan since the turn of this new century.